Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States
SND USA FALL 2020
INSTALLATION WITNESSED AROUND THE GLOBE
Toledo, Ohio
Chardon, Ohio
Covington, Kentucky Thousand Oaks, California
ALSO INSIDE: JPIC National Office Focuses on Advocacy, Education and Direct Service National Education Office Becomes National Sponsorship and Network Office News and Updates From Each Regional Center
Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States
SND USA TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 A Letter from the SND USA Provincial Team 2-5 SND USA One Heart.… One Hope.... One Mission 6-7 SND USA Liturgy and Installation Witnessed Around the Globe 8-13 JPIC National Office Focuses on Advocacy, Education, and Direct Service 14-17 National Education Office Becomes National Sponsorship and Network Office 18-19 SND Vocation & Young Adult Ministry Update 20-22 National Unification Promises to Broaden International Relationships 23 Tax Benefits of the CARES Act 24-25 Associates of the Sisters of Notre Dame
LETTER FROM
SND USA PROVINCIAL TEAM Dear Friends, We are excited to share with you the first edition of SND USA magazine! While the outside cover may look different from what you are used to, we hope you will be inspired and engaged by the exciting national content. In this issue are articles on the unification of the four Sisters of Notre Dame provinces as well as the installation ceremony celebrated virtually across the country and the globe. (COVID-19 prevented our gathering together for the festivities). Featured articles also report on the three ministry priorities of SND USA: Education and Healthcare Ministry; Vocation and Young Adults Ministry; and Ministries on the Margins. Finally, this magazine will continue to report on activities of our SND USA Associates. Readers will still find an insert from their local SND regional office in the SND USA magazine. This insert takes the place of prior magazines/ newsletters published by Thousand Oaks, CA; Covington, KY; Toledo, OH and Chardon, OH; and keeps our readers up to date on local/regional programs and the sisters you know.
Sister Margaret Mary Gorman Provincial, SND USA CHARDON, OHIO
Sister Mary Shauna Bankemper Assistant Provincial, SND USA COVINGTON, KENTUCKY
Becoming one province will continue to bring renewed enthusiasm
Sister Regina Marie Fisher Council Member, SND USA
and surprises as we grow together.
TOLEDO, OHIO
We hope you will enjoy this new publication. SND USA will be published three times a year connecting our friends, patrons, associates, employees and sisters across the country and in our international missions. Becoming one province will continue to bring renewed enthusiasm and surprises as we grow together. We look forward to sharing the broad scope of Notre Dame in the United States with all of you! Thank you for your continued participation in our mission, and for your prayers as we move forward.
Sister Patricia Mary Garrahan Council Member, SND USA CHARDON, OHIO
Gratefully, The SND USA Provincial Team
Sister Mary Rebekah Kennedy Council Member, SND USA THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA
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SND USA One Heart. The Sisters of Notre Dame (SND) unified their four national provinces to form SND USA on July 5, 2020. The new national province includes sisters from Thousand Oaks, California; Covington, Kentucky; Chardon, Ohio and Toledo, Ohio. Chardon will serve as the national headquarters of SND USA.
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“ Becoming one province and working together provides us a national platform to model greater unity.” - Sister Regina Marie Fisher, Council Member, Toledo, OH
One Hope. One Mission. The congregation’s 500+ sisters nationwide will combine resources and personnel to focus on three broad ministry initiatives:
• Education and healthcare institutions founded by the sisters in each geographic area
• Ministries serving new needs of people on the margins
• Young adult and vocation ministries The SND USA Leadership Team includes Sister Margaret Mary Gorman, Provincial, from Chardon; Sister Mary Shauna Bankemper, Assistant Provincial, from Covington; Sister Regina Marie Fisher, Council Member, from Toledo; Sister Patricia Mary Garrahan, Council Member, from Chardon; and Sister Mary Rebekah Kennedy, Council Member, from Thousand Oaks. Sister Nicole Varnerin and Sister Lisa Novak
Sister Rebekah Kennedy, SND USA Council Member, points out, “The relationships between sisters from different regions has already been a positive result. With the number of sisters transitioning from full-time to part-time to retired, I believe we have a challenge to create new ways of maintaining and building relationships, crossing borders of age, culture, gender and religion. There is a role for everyone who would like to get involved in SND ministries – whether it is a donation to a favorite cause, volunteering on-site, or spreading the word themselves about SND USA. On a personal level, I am passionate about mission – which draws us to do the work of Christ on earth – and, as Sisters of Notre Dame, to share our charism of a good and provident God. My hope is that we, as a congregation of prophetic women, can be a strong presence in a world continuously shaken by social, political and medical earthquakes.” continued on page 4
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One Heart. One Hope. One Mission. continued from page 3
Sister Margaret Mary Gorman, SND USA Provincial, addresses those in attendance and watching via livestream at the SND USA Installation.
“This new national province opens all sisters to a broader pool of insights and collaborative means of taking care of God’s people,” says Sister Regina. “My hope is to support the sisters in whatever way will encourage them to build bridges in our country and our world. Our country and our world need unity, especially now. Becoming one province and working together provides us a national platform to model greater unity.”
“ These partners in mission, many of whom are associates, are witnessing to God’s goodness and provident care in new and creative ways.” – Sister Mary Shauna Bankemper, Assistant Provincial, from Covington
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Sister Patricia describes, “Throughout our process of becoming one, we operated on the principle that we were doing this for the sake of the mission. Our hope is that all the places we serve are impacted by the new energy for mission evident in our coming together.” Sister Regina encourages individuals across the country to become involved in SND-sponsored ministries. “Give us a call! Partnering is not only essential to continue our ministries, but necessary to keep robust programming possible. Many hands make light work!” A few ways to get involved include:
• Become an SND Associate • Volunteer where the sisters are ministering • Expand your personal faith journey and/or pray • Donate • Use your gifts and abilities to bring about a better world starting with right where you live
She continues, “Sisters of Notre Dame are a vibrant community. My desire is that we continue to follow the Holy Spirit and encourage, educate and be a voice for the voiceless in our society.” Sister Shauna adds, “Our sponsored institutions are concrete ways to further our mission and ministry. In the past, our educational and healthcare institutions were administered and staffed by our sisters. The sisters lived the spirit and mission. With the changing face of leadership within our ministries, it is imperative that we articulate for those coming behind us who the SNDs are, our mission, spirit, and history. We work side-by-side with our partners in mission, dedicated men and women who share the SND spirit and Gospel vision. These partners in mission, many of whom are associates, are witnessing to God’s goodness and provident care in new and creative ways.” It is an exciting time in the life of the SND congregation, and we invite you to partner with us in this rewarding work. If you would like to become more involved in supporting the Sisters of Notre Dame or volunteering in one of the SND ministries, please contact your local SND office for more opportunities in your area, or check out our website at www.sndusa.org. Sister Mary Amy Hauck and Sister Mary Regina Robbins from Thousand Oaks, CA, welcome Nun Run finishers at the pancake breakfast.
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SND USA Liturgy and Installation Witnessed Around the Globe
Father Dan Schlegel celebrates Mass at the SND USA Installation.
From Rome, East Africa, Vietnam, and the Philippines to across the United States,
thousands tuned in to participate in the liturgy and installation of the SND USA leadership team via livestream from Chardon, Ohio, on July 5. Father Dan Schlegel, celebrant, shared during the homily, “You speak of One Heart, One Hope, One Mission, and yet you are many, from Covington, Kentucky; Thousand Oaks, California; Toledo, Ohio; and right here in Chardon, Ohio. You are women of passion and prayerfulness, and you span 14 time zones and 17 nations. You represent the ministries of education, healthcare, social justice, and each day you promote the work of Jesus for the poor, those discriminated against, the trafficked, the hurting throughout our nation and our world. You are a living paradox – speaking hope in the midst of challenge, peace in the midst of war, richness in the midst of poverty – and you represent
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the humble life of Jesus Christ, for whom you have dedicated your life. And the Lord is doing something both old and new for you today.” He continued, “Old, in the sense that the mission begun by St. Julie Billiart continues in an unbroken chain since 1751, and new, because of what God is doing to bring four provinces together for the first time since your first 50 years of ministry in the United States. Just imagine the possibilities that God has in store for you!” Sister Mary Kristin Battles, SND Superior General, addressed viewers via satellite from Rome, “Today is truly a Pentecost event.
The Holy Spirit is releasing the energies of ‘potential’ renewing your lives through change and the possibilities that change brings. Openness and the eyes of the heart will see the abundant graces in the ever-new calls of the Spirit as you discover new ways to live the Gospel and our charism in the context of current realities.” The unification of the four U.S. provinces began nine years ago, according to Sister Margaret Gorman, Provincial, SND USA. While the installation celebration took a new form due to the restrictions of the worldwide pandemic, unity was visible as the new SND USA leadership gathered remotely. “The pandemic disrupted everything, literally everything,” laughed Sister Margaret. “We are celebrating today without all the visible trappings of unity that a national gathering would provide. Even without coming together, though, our unity is visible in the collaboration of our sisters, co-workers, and partners to unite as one SND USA.” She continued, “2020 now means something much larger than SND USA, something global. It has been a Biblical moment….We seem to have reached a new tipping point of social consciousness, a global threshold….As a moment of both judgment and hope, 2020 is not just a backdrop to our journey, but providence. The mystery of God’s new call confronts us. As we become one in the midst of the divisions around us, we ponder new ways of presence and service. Our journey was never about us; all along we said we are becoming one for the sake of mission.…Let us cross the threshold together, trusting in God who makes all things new.”
TOLEDO, OH
COVINGTON, KY
THOUSAND OAKS, CA
“We seem to have reached a new tipping point of social consciousness, a global threshold.”
- Sister Margaret Gorman, Provincial, SND USA
CHARDON, OH
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JPIC NATIONAL OFFICE FOCUSED ON
ADVOCACY, EDUCATION and DIRECT SERVICE
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Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org
Sisters of Notre Dame, Covington, KY, stand up for maintaining the dignity of immigrant families.
Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation. These words alone leave no doubt how extremely busy JPIC’s staff are during this country’s unprecedented unrest. Gripped in a worldwide pandemic and with racial tensions spilling over into all aspects of life, Co-Chairs of the JPIC National Advisory Council, Sr. Kathleen Ryan, SND and Sr. Joyce Marie Bates, SND have little downtime. These sisters work with the JPIC National SND Office Co-Directors, Katie Drager and Ann Clark, based in SND USA’s Chardon headquarters. Katie’s prior work experience includes more than 15 years in parish ministry, most recently at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Macedonia, Ohio. Katie earned a master’s degree in Theological and Pastoral Studies at Ursuline College. Ann formerly worked within the Diocesan Social Action Office, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland. Her work in diocesan and parish ministry included social justice and stewardship, outreach ministries, religious education and formation, and liturgy planning. Ann is also a certified Lay Ecclesial Minister for the Diocese of Cleveland. Ann earned a master’s degree in Theology at St. Mary Seminary, Wickliffe, OH. Katie focuses on education and advocacy while Ann’s role primarily includes direct service and volunteers. Sister Kathleen Ryan, Co-Chair of the JPIC National Advisory Council,
“The charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame and Joseph Waler, Principal, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School. impels us to participate in the mission of Jesus Christ, witnessing God’s goodness and provident care to others,” “The JPIC National states Sister Kathleen. “The JPIC National Office is committed, through education in all its forms, to do advocacy and direct service to respond Office is committed to the needs of the times.” Sister Joyce explains that the JPIC Office sets up structures, projects, educational forums, speakers and volunteer opportunities to serve people who are poor and marginalized, with special emphasis on issues affecting women and children on the margins. “These interlocking elements of advocacy, education and direct service are essential to creating systemic change for those on the margins and increasing their quality of life,” Sr. Joyce adds. What are some of the overarching concerns being addressed currently? Poverty, human trafficking, immigration, care for creation and anti-racism top the list. According to Katie, the JPIC National Office will provide support to the JPIC coordinators and committees in each SND USA geographic area: Thousand Oaks, CA; Covington, KY; Toledo, OH and Chardon, OH. “At the same time, national projects will be planned so the ministry done throughout the areas can be seen on a national level.”
through education in all its forms, to do advocacy and direct service to respond to the needs of the times.” - Sr. Kathleen Ryan, SND,
JPIC National Advisory Council
Anti-racism conversations are currently planned, via Zoom, among the Sisters of Notre Dame. “These conversations about racism, the current happenings regarding race relations, and our call to recognize our role in helping to educate and advocate for more just systems are in the works,” Ann says. continued on page 10
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JPIC NATIONAL OFFICE FOCUSED ON
ADVOCACY, EDUCATION and DIRECT SERVICE continued from page 9
The JPIC National Office hopes to share with the associates, students, young adults, parents and others whose lives have been impacted by the sisters “a way to live following the example of the sisters,” Katie states. “By sharing the education and formation the sisters received, we hope to help more people live in agreement with the Gospel values and Catholic social teaching.” Currently, JPIC efforts are focused on anti-racism and the upcoming November election with special emphasis on getting out the vote. “We continue to call for ongoing work on the Deferred Action for Children Arrivals (DACA), comprehensive immigration reform, inclusion of the poor and vulnerable in any additional stimulus packages provided by the federal government in response to the coronavirus, protection of the unborn, opposition to the use of the death penalty and care for creation,” Katie summarizes. “We also want to know what the sisters and associates in each geographic area are doing. Right now, the best way to help our office is to share what is occurring around the country.”
Sisters provide direct services during the annual HUD-mandated homeless count in Los Angeles, CA.
While SNDs are working in housing, human trafficking, homelessness, education on all levels, crisis centers, witnessing for the rights of the unborn, immigration, community empowerment programming, healthcare facilities, global missions, and English as a Second Language classes (ESL), pastoral associates are organizing volunteers and service opportunities for parishes. Many SNDs have also volunteered, this past year, ministering at the border. Others traveled internationally to respond to global needs. COVID-19 put a hold on much of this activity in 2020. Here are a few JPIC activities currently underway:
K AT E R I H A B I TAT S The Saint Kateri Conservation Center is a national Catholic conservation group promoting faith, integral ecology and life. “One of their endeavors is called the Saint Kateri Habitat Program, which encourages individuals and groups to restore and maintain healthy habitats for people and wildlife,” Sister Kathleen says. “Saint Kateri Habitats provide the benefits of increasing faith in God while preserving wildlife, saving energy, reducing climate change, and protecting land and water for future generations.” Sister Kathleen explains that this habitat program provides opportunities for evangelization, education and recreation, while establishing places of peace and beauty. “Properties on which the SNDs have provincial houses and other holdings have spaces set aside for prayer and reflection.” 10
Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org
In Chardon, Ann Clark worked with Sisters Alice Dugar, Jennifer Kramer, Kathleen Ryan and Debra Doig to designate Bethany Retreat Center as a Kateri Habitat. In Covington, Sister Rita Geoppinger helped designate the beautiful walkway outside the provincial center. In Thousand Oaks, Sisters Cristina Marie Buczkowski and Betty Mae Bienlein helped get the area surrounding the provincial center designated. And finally, in Toledo, Sister Joyce Marie Bates played a pivotal role in the Lial Renewal Center becoming designated as a Kateri Habitat. These habitats can be viewed on the Kateri website: www.kateri.org.
G E N E R AT I V E S P I R I T G R A N T
“By sharing the education and formation the sisters received, we hope to help more people live in agreement with the Gospel values and Catholic social teaching.” - Katie Drager, JPIC National
The Generative Spirit Initiative comes from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland, and this grant opportunity is made possible by a partnership between the Sisters of Charity Foundation and the Conrad Hilton Foundation. Ann Clark wrote the grant as an initiative to build relationships and shared learning between Catholic sisters and lay partners in ministry – especially young adults – with the mission to sustain the impact the sisters make with those who are poor and vulnerable. “This grant project, for which the National JPIC Office receives funding, is called Formed in Ministry,” Ann explains. It provides an opportunity for sisters to share their stories of ministry and have them recorded and archived. These recordings allow the legacy of the sisters’ justice and peace ministry to be shared with many people. SNDs are interviewed on camera using Appreciative Inquiry, which draws out the strengths of the person and helps illustrate positive aspects of an individual and/or organization’s work. “Appreciative Inquiry draws out the influence and effectiveness of the sisters’ life-long ministry work,” Ann continues. “When completed, these videos and interviews will be used in marketing and communications celebrating the forming of one province, SND USA. The interviews will also be used for outside groups as a way to introduce the public to various Sisters of Notre Dame, and their ministries, as well as to attract interested lay volunteers.” continued on page 12
SND USA reaches out to asylum seekers through a variety of programs.
SND Office Co-director
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Katie Drager and Ann Clark
JPIC NATIONAL OFFICE FOCUSED ON
ADVOCACY, EDUCATION and DIRECT SERVICE continued from page 11
R A C I S M C O N V E R S AT I O N S
Sisters in Kentucky teach children about various cultures and how we are all a global community.
The conversations are an outgrowth of many discussions following the death of George Floyd and others along with the ensuing protests and calls for action in their aftermath. The Sisters of Notre Dame and colleagues at Hahn Loeser and Parks, LLP wanted to further these conversations. Sister Margaret Gorman, SND USA Provincial, and Stan Gorom, CEO and Managing Partner at Hahn Loeser, brought these two groups together. Conversations amongst these two groups began to explore perceptions and definitions of racism and the effects of systemic racism over the past 400 years. To date, more than 65 Sisters of Notre Dame have participated. Once both groups complete the background education and foundational conversations, they will come together with colleagues and collaborators for further action. Ann explains, “These beginning conversations are a way to gather as a community to learn and reflect on how we may have contributed to systems that continue ongoing racism.” Ann continues, “There is a deep desire among the sisters participating that each person’s dignity, regardless of race, is upheld and recognized. We hope these conversations will help participants grow personally and, at the same time, we will grow as a community, ready to read and respond to the signs of the times.” continued on page 13
“These beginning conversations are a way to gather as a community to learn and reflect on how we may have contributed to systems that continue ongoing racism.” - Ann Clark, JPIC National SND Office Co-director
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Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org
Sisters on the
FRONTLINES
Network Fall 2020
Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States
One Heart. One Hope. One Mission.
TABLE of CONTENTS
3 Sisters on the Front Line 4 Staying Safe Through COVID-19
5 NEWS
Introducing Zelie’s Home SNDs Host Virtual Chicken BBQ & Boutique 6 A Lasting Tribute 8 Regina Alumnae Association
Send correspondence to: Network Sisters of Notre Dame 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024 www.sndchardon.org 440.286.7101 On the cover: Sister Jacquelyn Gusdane meets with a woman at Catholic Charities Migration & Refugee Services.
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Yo u r C om p a n y N ame H e re !
Sisters on the When it comes to responding to immediate, critical needs, Catholic sisters have a proven track record and impressive scope of services. They are visible on the ground, embedded in communities, and familiar with local needs. They are trusted. On behalf of women religious, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the GHR Foundation advanced a concept for providing relief to those adversely affected by COVID-19. Sisters on the Frontlines was launched as an initiative to resource mission-active Catholic sisters who, in turn, would provide monetary assistance to those in distress due to the worldwide pandemic – to help with such needs as rent payments, groceries, medical treatment, or even funeral expenses. The Sisters of Mercy piloted this initiative by giving $1,000 to 100 sisters. It was only the beginning!
SISTERS ON THE FRONTLINES
Northeast Ohio
The program spread like wildfire. Sisters on the Frontlines was adopted by other funders and congregations across the county. Locally, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland, in partnership with the Hilton Fund for Sisters, the Congregation of St. Joseph, and the Conference of Religious Leadership financially supported the participation of sisters ministering in Northeast Ohio. “While inspired by the original initiative, the process reflected the needs and realities of congregations in our region,” explains Margaret Eigsti, Program Officer, Catholic Sisters, Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland. “Congregations interested in participating completed a request for funding and returned it to the Sisters of Charity Foundation by June 1, 2020. Funding was awarded to 10 congregations, and each congregation was responsible for distributing funds to sisters who were identified by a selection process determined by each congregation.”
“I was a link, a conduit, and in many ways ‘a reed of God’ touching the lives of those in need. Through this experience, I learned this world is full of good people.” - Sister Karen Somerville, SND
A total of $61,000 was given to the congregations, supporting 61 sisters who each provided $1,000 of assistance to individuals and families in need. “Funding was not intended to support the operations or salaries of a sister’s ministry. All funds were to benefit individuals in need,” Eigsti clarifies. “Sisters reported on the use of their funds using a simple reporting process provided by the
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Sisters of Notre Dame | Network
FALL 2020
FRONTLINES Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland. The money was to be used within two months of being received.” “The program started in response to the economic and public health crisis created by COVID-19. This is not a regular grant program of the foundation but was initiated to support the community during this challenging time,” Eigsti reiterates.
SNDs on the Frontlines Fifteen Sisters of Notre Dame were selected to participate in Sisters on the Frontlines, with a total gift of $15,000. Each sister who received $1,000 was personally able to determine who would receive the gift – for the sole purpose of meeting emergency needs of vulnerable individuals and families suffering from the impacts of COVID-19.
Ten congregations participated in Sisters on the Frontlines:
• Sisters of Notre Dame • Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine • Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland • Dominican Sisters of Peace • Sisters of the Holy Spirit • Congregation of St. Joseph • Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown • Sisters of the Incarnate Word • Sisters of the Humility of Mary • Sisters of St. Joseph, Third Order of St. Francis
Needs ranged from help with rent, food and monthly utility payments, costs of needed medical treatments put on hold because of lost jobs or wages due to the pandemic, gas and transportation costs for bus passes, etc. to name a few.
Sister Carol Ziegler, SND, Ph.D., Executive Administration Assistant and Executive Director of the Abrahamic Center, Notre Dame College
Sister Karen Somerville, SND, was excited to disburse the $1,000 gift. She says, “I didn’t have to think long about how to use this money. The needs are so great, especially now. I helped a struggling family with unforeseen medical expenses due to a recent hospitalization and diagnosis of diabetes of one of their children.”
Sister Carol Ziegler, SND, Ph.D., Executive Administration Assistant and Executive Director of the Abrahamic Center, Notre Dame College, was also thrilled to disburse the $1,000 gift. “I knew someone whose work schedule had been significantly reduced but didn’t qualify for unemployment and was struggling to cover their medical needs. This money provided a brief reprieve from the stress and worry faced each week on how to pay for medications versus food.”
www.sndchardon.org
Sister Jacquelyn Gusdane, SND, reached out to a family she met through her work with the Migration & Refugee Services (MRS). “In my time at Catholic Charities Migration & Refugee Services, I worked with a mother of seven children who took two buses everyday just to attend ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) class at MRS. She graciously accepted the envelope and instantly said it would be used for a month’s rent and gas money for her husband to drive to his night shift job.” The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland is looking forward to sharing additional stories of how the funds were used through their website and as part of the larger national initiative of sisters participating in Sisters on the Frontlines.
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Staying Safe During COVID-19
Caralyn Treharne, MSN, RN, Health Care Director for the Sisters of Notre Dame in Chardon, obviously has her hands full during the COVID-19 pandemic. Responsible for the care of more than 250 sisters residing in either the SND Healthcare Center, Memory Care facility, Notre Dame Apartments and other regional SND housing units, she is thankful that to-date no Sister of Notre Dame or staff member has tested positive with the Coronavirus. “I attribute our success to the dedicated staff that works here,” Caralyn emphatically states. “From the very beginning, staff has made sacrifices to ensure the safety of our sisters and each other. Staff signed ‘social contracts’ that helped ensure we were doing even more than what Ohio Governor Michael DeWine suggested to keep each other safe. Staff who have second jobs have “The amount of not been working those second jobs and have not dedication and love gone anywhere except our nurses and aides for medically necessary appointments, and staff have for the sisters is able to work from home have done so.”
amazing. They would
At the onset of the COVID-19 virus, the Sisters of Notre Dame closed the them. We are family.” SND Healthcare Center and - Caralyn Treharne, MSN, RN, Health immediately formulated a Care Director for the Sisters of Notre plan to ensure the safety of Dame in Chardon sisters and staff. “We have taken safety very seriously here, including temperature checks and wearing PPE (personal protection equipment) as appropriate.”
do anything to protect
Caralyn also explains that it is important for sisters’ mental health at the SND Healthcare Center to stay engaged in life-giving activities. Many sisters in the healthcare center and throughout the region make face masks for healthcare workers, first responders, and others. At last count, more than 3,000 face masks have been donated by the Sisters of Notre Dame.
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Sisters of Notre Dame | Network
Weekly, the sisters make thank you cards/videos for local first responders to thank them for all their hard work and sacrifice. “We have forged many new friendships,” Caralyn states with a smile. “They also make phone calls and write letters to isolated seniors. Some sisters joined virtual book clubs where they read a book and then have a virtual discussion with others in the community. Other sisters have taken virtual tours to faraway places, the Vatican for one, with a group of sisters from around the world. They discuss their visit with each other in live time. Tutoring and piano lessons for interested students continue via Zoom.” Another way SNDs are staying connected to the world is twice weekly group video calls with SNDs in Africa. “We also held a ‘graduation’ ceremony for four of our Aides who graduated from college since they were unable to have their official college graduation,” adds Caralyn. “We also have a daily walking group. We track our miles and, hopefully, will have virtually walked to Chicago by the end of summer!” The dedicated nursing professional offers advice to readers who may be caring for a sick or elderly family member in their home: “First, take care of yourself – your mental, emotional and spiritual needs. You cannot care for someone else if you are not tending to your own needs,” Caralyn cautions. “Second, research resources that might be available (online Mass, grocery delivery, virtual park/ zoo/museum visits). Most importantly, stay connected with family and friends with phone calls or video calls. It is extremely important to not isolate. Reaching out to others helps keep you feeling connected to the rest of the world.”
FALL 2020
News Introducing Zelie’s Home homes not in Arizona. The Maggie’s Place Board of Directors and Leadership in Ohio and Arizona mutually agreed that an independent, Ohio-based home was the way to go.”
(l-r) Sister Kate Hine, SND, with Erin Hathaway, Director of Zelie’s Home.
Maggie’s Place (the Zechariah House) in Cleveland was renamed Zelie’s Home effective July 1. After 11 years of serving 142 pregnant and parenting moms, Erin Hathaway, Executive Director of Zelie’s Home, says a decision was made to operate this Northeast Ohio home 100% independently based, operated and funded in Northeast Ohio. “Our relationship with Maggie’s Place is great, but ultimately, the Ohio location was the only one of the Maggie’s Place
The heart of the mission will remain the same. Zelie’s Home is a caring community that empowers pregnant and parenting women to take positive and effective action on behalf of themselves and their children by providing physical, emotional, spiritual, and professional support. Zelie’s Home is founded on five core values: human dignity, supportive and collaborative community, commitment to growth, safe learning environment and resiliency and creativity. To learn more about Zelie’s Home, please follow us on Facebook (@zelieshome1) or Instagram (@zelieshome) or visit our website www.zelieshome.org. To make a donation, please visit www.zelieshome. org/donate.
SNDs Host Virtual Chicken BBQ & Boutique Due to the worldwide pandemic, the Sisters of Notre Dame’s annual Barbecue & Boutique was canceled for the safety of guests, sisters, sponsors and volunteers. Instead, they hosted a “virtual” BBQ & Boutique that featured a series of social media posts that included a variety of “chicken” jokes and humor. Sisters engaged in a chicken dance, To Tell the Truth, Chicken Little story, a warning not to put “all your Eggs in one Basket,” and many more hilarious skits to put a smile on people’s faces during COVID-19. The sisters would like to thank the many people who responded by making a donation. This support is vital to ongoing ministries, and they are grateful for the renewed partnership. We hope to see you in person in 2021 at the SND Annual BBQ & Boutique!
www.sndchardon.org
Billy Jelenic, SND Social Media Manager, videotapes Sisters Marie Manning and Lisa Novak.
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A Lasting Tribute SISTER MARY ROSALIND
(formerly Sister Mary Janicemarie)
Born Rosalind VILICS, March 18, 1929 Entered into religious life, August 16, 1949 Entered into eternal life, May 12, 2020 Rosalind was the older of two girls born to James and Rose (Holieter) Vilics. She and her sister Janice learned to appreciate and take pride in their Hungarian heritage. While in the elementary grades at St. Margaret School in Cleveland, Rosalind experienced a strong desire to become a religious, and through high school at John Hay in Cleveland, prayed fervently for the grace to accept this call. In her senior year, she transferred to Notre Dame Academy and entered the Sisters of Notre Dame. At investment, she received the name Sister Mary Janicemarie.
Sister earned a bachelor’s degree in education from St. John College in Cleveland. Her ministry as a primary grade teacher spanned 45 years in the Cleveland and Youngstown Diocese. Preparing children to receive the sacraments for the first time was a special privilege and joy. In 1994 Sister Mary Rosalind moved to the Provincial Center and assisted in the ND India Mission Office and then with activities in the SND Healthcare Center. Her desire to interact more directly with residents who were room-bound enabled her to meet the needs of individual sisters. She was an inspiration to the Healthcare Center staff. The twinkle in her eye, and her ever-present smile brought sunshine to others, both young and old.
SISTER MARY JOHNMARIE
Born Joan Mary HAGAN, July 23, 1929 Entered into religious life, August 16, 1950 Entered into eternal life, July 19, 2020 Joan was the second of three children born to John and Margaret (Eckhardt) Hagan in Washington, DC. Joan attended grade school at the renowned Catholic University’s Campus School, staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame. It was the friendliness of these sisters, along with their excellent teaching, that drew her to religious life.
For more than 50 years Sister shared her love of music with her students, a gift inherited from her mother. Whether Sister was teaching, directing choirs at every level, playing the organ in church, or participating as a choir member, music was always a vital part of her life. In 1998, Sister Johnmarie moved to Chardon. For the next 15 years, she used her skills to drive sisters to appointments and for visits to friends and relatives and assumed the special role of music minister in chapel. Sister Johnmarie celebrated the 70th anniversary of her religious profession, the Jubilee of Grace, on July 11th.
Sister earned her bachelor’s degree in education from St. John College, Cleveland, and a master’s in administration from Xavier University. She taught intermediate and junior high students at more than 15 schools in the Cleveland and Youngstown dioceses in Ohio, and in Arlington, Fairfax, McLean, and Warrenton, Virginia. She also served as principal at several schools in northeast Ohio.
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Sisters of Notre Dame | Network
FALL 2020
May our deceased sisters rejoice in God’s everlasting love.
SISTER MARY ALICEMARIE Born Mary Geraldine RESLEY, August 22, 1928 Entered into religious life, August 16, 1948 Entered into eternal life, July 24, 2020 Mary Geraldine (affectionately known as Gerry) was born to John and Julia (McGing) Resley in Cleveland, Ohio. After 8th grade graduation from St. Agnes School, Gerry gladly accepted her Aunt Kate’s generous offer to cover the cost of high school at Notre Dame Academy, a dream that Gerry thought could never be realized. Little did she know how that gift would change her life and become a blessing for so many people. After completing high school and entering the Sisters of Notre Dame, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Notre Dame College, South Euclid, teaching primary grades
for more than 30 years at schools in Cleveland, Lakewood, Warren, North Ridgeville, Sheffield Lake, and Eastlake. She prepared many students for the reception of the sacraments and combined thorough classroom instruction with her warm and welcoming approach to each child. Willing to be of service wherever God placed her, she spent 11 years in food service at various convents. In 1997, she moved to the Provincial Center, and accepted a new ministry with world-wide outreach, working in the Notre Dame Global Missions Office. Sister Alicemarie put her talents and gifts to good use over the next 20 years: organizing, pricing, and selling craft items from mission countries; sharing stories of mission activities with family and friends; reaching out to thousands of donors with personalized birthday cards and follow-up phone calls. Most especially, whenever anyone asked her to pray for a person, need, or intention, she responded, “I promise to pray…forever!”
SISTER MARY NANCY
(formerly Sister Mary Maureen Therese) Born Nancy Ann PETRUCCELLI, August 20, 1946 Entered into religious life, August 15, 1974 Entered into eternal life, July 28, 2020 Nancy Ann was born to Fred and Ruth (Blayney) Petruccelli on August 20, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio. After completing elementary school at St. Philip Neri, Nancy attended Notre Dame Academy, first at Ansel Road, and then in her senior year, at the new campus in Chardon. After graduation, Nancy worked for several years as a switchboard operator, and entered the Sisters of Notre Dame on August 22, 1971. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Notre Dame College, South Euclid, and an M.A. in history from Bowling Green State University, she taught American and world history at Regina High School, Cleveland Central Catholic, and Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin. “She was legit, the best teacher I ever had,” said a graduate. “I learned so much from her.” Besides the broad course content, Sister Nancy taught study skills and showed students how to organize and evaluate source materials. She set high expectations for www.sndchardon.org
active participation and respect for other people and diverse cultures. “Direct…no nonsense…you knew where you stood with Sister Nancy,” explained a colleague. “Yet, no one had a bigger heart!” Her sometimes stern demeanor co-existed with a sense of humor and quick wit. A voracious reader of history and biographies, Sister Nancy attended workshops and traveled to historic places. She encouraged beginning teachers and met with students who needed extra help. She wrote valued letters of recommendation for generations of college applicants. Her sudden, unexpected death shocked and saddened all who knew her. Messages of condolence and remembrance number in the hundreds. Along with being “a legend in her time” as a teacher, Sister Nancy left a legacy of relationships. “Thank you for believing in me even though I was a superstubborn student,” a graduate wrote. A friend explained, “She cared about you, about your whole being and how things were going for you.” A colleague who taught with her more than 30 years ago concludes his tribute: “She was a wonderful teacher, person, friend, and Sister of Notre Dame.”
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Class of 1976 Mary Anne DeGrandis Baucco, Sue Dileno and Maureen Stein-Vavro have started working on your reunion. If you are interested in having one, please contact Mary Anne at madbaucco@sbcglobal.net.
2020 Reunions
Class of 1986
Reunion scheduled for June 6 was postponed until future notice.
Class of 2010
Class of 1960
If you are not receiving emails, please send your email address to rhsalum@reginahigh.com to stay informed, or contact a friend who gets our messages to keep you up to date.
Class of 1970 Has been postponed. More information will follow. Check the Facebook page-Regina@50 - ask Deborah Buckley to friend you on Facebook to get on the page. QUESTIONS: Contact Deborah Buckley at djb215@gmail.com or 408-234-2962.
Class of 1975 Regina High Class of 1975 - 45th Reunion Due to the coronavirus, we have decided to postpone the reunion until 2021. We will be sending out a list of lost classmates to try to find their email addresses. Pam Koeth will post Facebook messages on Regina High School Class of ’75. It is private, but one of us will let you in. You can send email addresses to rhsalum@reginahigh.com or Claudia.lund9@gmail.com. We will keep you posted.
There is a group starting to make reunion plans. If you are interested, send your contact information to ReginaHS2001@gmail.com or rhsalum@reginahigh.com.
2021 Calendar
Girl’s Night Out 2020 Has been postponed until-October, 2021 – exact date will follow later. PLACE: The Jake at Pizzazz in University Heights If any of the reunion classes have not planned a reunion but would like to come, we will save a section for your group if you let us know.
Regina Alumnae Retreat-2021
The reunion committee: Jo Ann Balmat Bacnik, Mary Kay Conway, Lynn Fistek Reardon, Pam Koeth, Mary Nitsche, & Claudia Lund.
DATE: February 26 – 28 PLACE: Bethany Retreat Center at Notre Dame Education Center COST: $55.00 plus a “good will” offering. This year Sr. Melannie Svoboda’62 with be the retreat director. Some of you might know her as your teacher. She now writes, gives talks and organizes retreats internationally. To learn more about her, go to the SND website and visit her blog titled Sunflower Seeds. Reservations are due by February 18, 2021.
Class of 1980
More information will follow, or if you have questions, call or text 216-905-4851.
Regina High Class of 1980 - 40th Reunion Has been postponed until next year. Please contact Pam Bell Huth with your contact details.
2020 Scholarship Winners
Class of 2010 Has been postponed until 2021. More information will follow. Send your information to RHSroyals2010@gmail.com.
2021 Reunions Class of 1961
The reunion date is June 26, 2021 at Beth Ulery Parnin’s house. Contact Beth at funwithfit@sbcglobal.com. More information will follow.
Class of 1966 Mary Judith Burdecki Fina is looking for volunteers to help with the reunion. Her email address is thatgirl@yahoo.com if you have any ideas or would like to help.
Class of 1971 A group is looking into a possible 50th reunion next year. More information will follow. If you have moved in the last 10 years or if you are not receiving emails from your class, please send your information to rhsalum@reginahigh.com or call or text to 216-905-4851. It would be wonderful to see everyone after 50 years. 8
Julie Lawrence has started working on the reunion. If you would like to help or have any ideas, contact her at julie@krunchfinancial.com.
Sisters of Notre Dame | Network
Thanks to those of you who contributed to the scholarship fund, and the Class of ’79 who sent enough money for a second scholarship this year. Julie Mucci, daughter of Nicole DeCaro Mucci ’88, will be a junior at VASJ this year. Julie has a 4.0 GPA. She is a member of the VASJ volleyball team, a student ambassador and plays JO travel volleyball in the winter. Julie is undecided about a major in college but is thinking about nursing or business. Kathryn VanBurik, the daughter of Robin Hanks VanBurik ’83, will be a freshman at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, N.C. Kathryn was an A student in grade school and plans to continue getting a 4.0 GPA in high school. She is interested in playing basketball and soccer. She plans to join one of the many outreach programs at the school, depending on what will be allowed because of the coronavirus. Congratulations and good luck to both girls!
Julie Mucci & Nicole DeCaro Mucci ’88
Robin Hanks VanBurik ’83 & Kathryn VanBurik
FALL 2020
Erica Wolfe-Heckler, preschool teacher, and Sisters Mary Anncarla Costello, Shawn Marie Doyle, Shirley Marie McGovern, Betty Mae Bienlein, and Mary Karlynn Werth protest against human trafficking at the Los Angeles Freedom Walk.
ADVOCACY Advocacy includes various strategies that influence decision-making at local, national and international levels. Organized around the resolution of a problem, advocacy can include using the media to form public opinion, educating decision-makers, organizing public events, and researching issues. Effective advocacy requires a comprehensive understanding of the problem or issue and proposing new policies for change. Catholic Social Teaching is the foundation for JPIC’s work of advocacy in the Church. “The world is a space where the Good News is proclaimed and lived out. The words collaborate, dialogue, participate are words that call us to do advocacy,” states Sister Kathleen. “We recognize the negative forces which keep individuals, whole segments of society, entire countries from ‘having life and having it to the full’” (John 10:10). Sister Kathleen adds, “The Church guides us to be responsible citizens, working to improve the common good. Whether we are working with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on improving the quality of life for the poor and vulnerable or with Catholic Charities USA on securing more help for the homeless, the goal is always to improve the common good.” Advocacy calls us to be well informed and committed members of society, participating in our democracy. Ultimately the goal of advocacy is to enrich the civil discourse and work toward creating a better society. Want to feel energized and empowered? Learn more about how you can become involved in JPIC activities by contacting Katie Drager or Ann Clark at the National JPIC Office. Their email addresses are kdrager@sndusa.org and aclark@sndusa.org.
Fall 2020
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NATIONAL EDUCATION OFFICE becomes
NATIONAL SPONSORSHIP and
Metro Catholic School in Cleveland, Ohio celebrates All Saints Day.
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Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org
NETWORK OFFICE This Sisters of Notre Dame
are excited to announce that the National Education Office is now the National Sponsorship and Network Office (NSNO) as of July 5, 2020, when the four North American provinces of the Sisters of Notre Dame united to form SND USA. While the office continues the role of Leadership, board chairs and the National Education Office, NSNO members gather for Mass is also taking a leadership role in during the Sponsored Ministry supporting Catholic identity, mission meeting in California. integration and effectiveness of SND-sponsored health and elder care ministries. Sister Mary Frances Taymans, SCHOOLS/EDUCATION/ SND, serves as Executive Director of the National HEALTH CARE CENTERS Sponsorship and Network Office. NSNO will advance the mission, vision, and principles of the Sisters of Notre Dame in 16 ministries in three states. SND-sponsored education ministries educated more than 5,800 students in the 2019-2020 academic year. In addition, St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead, KY, provides half a million touch points to patients of all ages in 32 medical specialties; St. Charles Care Center in Covington, KY, serves 735 seniors each year; and Notre Dame Village in Chardon, OH, provides independent living and memory support for 146 seniors. “An important role of NSNO is promoting ways and means for integrating the SND charism and spirit in 33 SND-affiliated elementary and high schools in California, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Louisiana. This is achieved through professional development and experiential opportunities that unite mission and excellence,� Sister Mary Frances states. continued on page 16
Chardon, Ohio Julie Billiart Schools Notre Dame Elementary School Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School Notre Dame College Toledo, Ohio Lial Catholic School Maria Early Learning Center Notre Dame Academy Covington, Kentucky Julie Learning Center Notre Dame Academy Notre Dame Urban Education Center St. Claire HealthCare St. Charles Care Center Thousand Oaks, California La Reina High School & Middle School Notre Dame Academy Elementary School Notre Dame Academy Notre Dame Learning Center Preschool Fall 2020
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NATIONAL EDUCATION OFFICE becomes
NATIONAL SPONSORSHIP and NETWORK OFFICE continued from page 15
A Blue Ribbon Pep Rally held in Park Hills, KY.
St. Charles Care Center serves approximately 735 seniors each year.
• •
• •
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NSNO also works with ad hoc committees in developing and implementing initiatives such as: a program to identify and nurture emerging leaders within SND-sponsored ministries a national, rural, healthcare service project for juniors and seniors in high school to experience the challenges of rural healthcare by working with medical professionals at St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead, Kentucky webinars to connect with and provide professional development for principals, board members and heads of ministries regional meetings that provide ongoing education focusing on SND charism, mission and service
Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org
NSNO works closely with the National Ministry Corporation Board (NMCB), formed by the Sisters of Notre Dame, to support and assure the Catholic identity and mission effectiveness of the SNDsponsored ministries. In collaboration with the NMCB, NSNO supports the leadership and governing boards of the 16 SND-founded ministries, providing resources, consultation and professional development rooted in the SND charism and spirit. Sr. Mary Frances is supported by Lisa Canterbury, Assistant Director, NSNO, and Lisa Fredrickson, Communications and Administration Manager, NSNO.
“ An important role of NSNO is promoting ways and means for integrating the SND charism and spirit in 33 SND-affiliated elementary and high schools in California, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia and Washington D.C.”
partners in our ministries. Together, - Sister Mary Frances Taymans, SND, Executive Director of the National Sponsorship and Network Office we bring God’s goodness and provident care to our world wherever we find ourselves – in Sister Shauna Bankemper says there are a classroom, boardroom, grocery many ways for people to get involved in SND store, ministering to the sick or elderly, and being ministries. “We are all called to share God’s love present to those around us. There are always and goodness. Many women and men have ways to share God’s love and goodness.” become Associates and live out our spirit and mission in vibrant and varied ways in their homes For more information on the NSNO office and how you can get involved, visit and workplaces. Others are working side-bywww.snded.org. side with us on boards of our institutions and as
Sister Antoinette Marie Moon answers questions from second graders from St. Jude the Apostle, Westlake Village, CA, as they tour Notre Dame Center and learn about the Sisters of Notre Dame. Fall 2020
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SND USA Vocation & Young Adult Ministry
UPDATE
Sisters Jenny Zimmerman, Kelley Rush, Ruth Lubbers and Valerie Roxburgh, the SND USA Vocation & Young Adult Ministry Team.
While the U.S. and world continue to deal with the devastating effects of COVID-19,
Sister Jenny Zimmerman, National Director of SNDs’ Vocation & Young Adult Ministry Team says they continue to find ways of reaching out to young adults.
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY One of the surprising developments the team has heard from young adults during this period of lockdown was how overwhelmed they are by the number and variety of virtual resources available to them. Since many young adults are adept at using technology, it was surprising to learn how much they appreciated just having one-on-one conversations with individual sisters on the team-the personal touch. Most of the young adult programming before the pandemic was dependent on in-person events at university campuses, and gatherings at parishes and retreat centers. During the pandemic, since those options are not available, young adults have preferred to reach out and connect with sisters one-on-one. The Vocation & Young Adult Ministry 18
Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org
Team transitioned their programming to reach young people where they are now, through phone calls and one-on-one video chats, and will save the group programs for a later time. Sister Jenny says, “Our most important way of reaching out is by continued mentoring and spiritual direction through phone calls, FaceTime, and Zoom for young adults in our circles and those who have reached out during this pandemic.” “Young adults, like everyone, are really struggling with mental, emotional, and spiritual trials during COVID-19. We are committed to doing what we can through one-on-one conversations, by praying with them, and by simply providing a listening ear,” Sister Jenny states.
SND VOCATION TEAM HOSTS VIRTUAL SUMMER DISCERNMENT PROGRAM
These two women participate in the planning of a Young Adult Retreat.
For women considering a religious calling during this global pandemic, the Vocation Team created a six-week, virtual Summer Discernment Program. “Each week the four women who are in more serious discernment with us had the opportunity to be in conversation with two different small groups of sisters via Zoom,” Sister Jenny describes. “For the first three weeks, Monday evening was with sisters from California, and Thursday evening was with sisters from Toledo. We had a selected topic, with related reading materials, for each adults, like evening.
“Young everyone, are really struggling with mental, emotional, and spiritual trials during COVID-19.” - Sister Jenny Zimmerman, National Director of SNDs’ Vocation & Young Adult Ministry Team
Sister Jenny says during the second week, they discussed SND’s spirit, charism and mission one night, and call and vocation on the other night. For week three, they covered the vows and freedom.
“Good discussions have taken place with everyone on Zoom contributing and/or asking questions. Each session begins and ends with prayer. We share some way in
which we have met/experienced God in our lives,” she enthusiastically describes. “We also invited other women interested in religious life to join the Zoom meetings on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Seven additional women from across the U.S. joined the group for these sessions – which involved a sister sharing her vocation story and her passion for her current ministry or volunteer work.” After the first three weeks, the small groups changed. Sisters from the Chardon region joined the discerners on Monday evenings, and the Covington sisters joined on Thursday evenings. Topics for these sharing groups included prayer, Mary, community, SND structure and the international congregation/missions. “It was a wonderful experience for discerners and each sister who participated in the Zoom meetings,” exclaims Sister Jenny. “The young women found it encouraging that they were not alone in exploring this call. One woman asked us if all the sisters are praying for their discernment. We assured her we have many prayer partners out there!” Fall 2020
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RY O ST S N IO S IS M SA U D SN
National Unification Promises to Broaden International Relationships And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.� - Mark 16:15
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Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org
Sister Mary Janet Stamm from Covington, KY, hugs a friend in Buseesa, Uganda.
Sister Mary Margaret Agnes Hemmerle and Associate Joanne Kenner of Covington, KY, with students in Uganda.
“The unification of four separate provinces into one U.S. province opens up new,
perhaps unexpected, opportunities for the global missionary endeavors of the Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States – life-changing work that began more than 70 years ago in India and today spans 17 countries,” according to Sister Margaret M. Gorman, Provincial, SND USA. “There’s a sense of optimism and energy … of broader horizons … around our coming together as one province,” says Sister Margaret. “Collaboration is synergistic and will have a positive impact on all the individuals and communities we serve. We’re looking forward to seeing more integration, diversity, learning and growth here in the United States, but also extending to our ministries around the globe.” The makeup of the new national province includes long-held relationships with all the missions founded by the sisters from the United States, explains Sister Margaret. Today, those missions are in different stages of development. Papua New Guinea mission was founded • The by the sisters of Toledo in 1961 and is governed
Sister Anupama with women’s self-help group in India.
by SND USA. The PNG mission supports three ministry locations, including a secondary school, a vocational school, and a social services center for children and adults with HIV/AIDS. Young women from Papua New Guinea interested in religious life attend a formation program in the Philippines, along with candidates from Korea, Vietnam, China and the Philippines.
to the SND General Government • Reporting in Rome, the East Africa Delegation supports
eight ministry locations across three countries, including education (pre-school through junior college), an orphanage, women’s empowerment centers, and a missionary outreach to the Maasai tribe. This delegation was formed in 2015 with the merger of the Uganda mission (founded by sisters from Covington and Thousand Oaks in 1995) and the Tanzania/ Kenya mission (founded in 1992 by sisters from India). The Sisters of Notre Dame out of Chardon founded the initial mission in India in 1949 – a mission that has since matured into two independent provinces. Young women living in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya who are interested in pursuing religious life participate together in a single formation program.
“The challenges of becoming one U.S. province are nothing compared to the challenges of intercultural living in Asia and Africa, where our young sisters come together with different languages, cultures, and religious backgrounds,” Sister Margaret says. “These young sisters are taking on their responsibilities with great generosity and enthusiasm. They are deeply committed to living a religious life and serving people in need in a variety of ways.” Many sisters from the United States have served in the mission countries, lending their knowledge and experience to the next generation of sisters. “In a mission, everyone wears multiple hats,” Sister Margaret explains. “You might be a teacher, but you jump in and do whatever is needed so all skills are useful.” continued on page 22
Fall 2020
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Sister Delores Gatliff in Papua, New Guinea
Approaching Holy Ground: SND Uganda Mission Reflects on 25 Years
The SND Uganda Mission has double cause to be proud this year: The mission celebrated its 25th anniversary in July and a book that tells its story marks the occasion.
National Unification Promises to Broaden International Relationships continued from page 21
Sister Margaret thinks that, as SND USA moves forward, the opportunities for spiritual growth, mentorship and mutual learning across borders will continue to expand. “Sharing of scripture, best-practice education methods, technology, and other skills are so valuable. We promote long-term, sustained investment in educating these sisters so that they – as African national sisters and native Papua New Guinea sisters – will be able to serve their people effectively.” “It’s very satisfying to witness the long-term impact of educating sisters to become leaders in their own countries,” acknowledges Sister Margaret. She notes there are now more than 300 Indian sisters serving in India’s two provinces. “That’s the fruit of putting a lot of time and resources into education and development.”
“As disciples, we are to be missionaries to the whole world.” - Sister Margaret M. Gorman, Provincial, SND USA
Sister Margaret emphasizes that the goal is for each mission to become self-governing, which can take 25-30 years or more. “We’re working very hard, alongside the sisters of each mission country, to ensure they’re on a path of sustainability, and that they have strong leadership within the province.” Underlying the sisters’ missionary work is the Gospel of Mark. “As disciples, we are to be missionaries to the whole world,” says Sister Margaret. “And today’s view of mission is that we not simply preach the gospel, but we preach the gospel in action. Healing is part of our preaching the gospel. Caring for people who have HIV AIDS, an illness that is feared, is preaching the gospel. Teaching those without access to education is preaching the gospel. … We teach our faith and values, but we act it out, too. We recognize each person’s dignity and help them develop their gifts and talents so they can live full, productive, happy lives as God desires for all of us.” 22
Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org
Sister Mary Margaret Droege, SND, from Covington, Kentucky, has written a book that recounts the sisters’ adventurous time in rural Uganda with tales of exploding water tanks, hippopotamus holes, the Ebola virus and – most importantly – the building of two high performing schools. St. Julie Primary Boarding School (for boys and girls) opened in 1998, three years after the sisters arrived in Uganda, and the Notre Dame Academy Secondary School (for girls) began operating in 2003. Both schools consistently rank among the top in Sister Mary Margaret Droege, SND the nation. Sister Mary Margaret’s book is based on verbal stories, archived letters, official reports, and first-hand accounts from the Sisters of Notre Dame who were involved with the Ugandan mission. Sisters throughout the SND international community are featured. The book concludes with a chapter about the beginning of the East Africa Delegation. “I hope readers will appreciate the honest telling of the story and discovering what a mission is all about – an insider’s view, so to speak,” says Sister Mary Margaret. “I also hope people will get a sense of the wondrous Ugandan people, culture and landscape.” “Approaching Holy Ground: The Sisters of Notre Dame Uganda Mission” can be ordered at info@sndky.org or 1-859-392-8109.
Tax benefits of the
CARES Act
The CARES ACT (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, passed earlier this year, is designed to help individuals, businesses, and nonprofits facing economic hardship during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are a few key provisions of the CARES Act that may affect you and your charitable goals:
Required Minimum Distributions Suspended The new law temporarily suspends the requirements for required minimum distributions (RMD) for the 2020 tax year. Many donors use their RMD to make a gift from their IRA. Despite the RMD suspension, remember that if you are 70 ½ years of age or older, you can still make a gift from your IRA or name the Sisters of Notre Dame as a beneficiary.
New Tax Incentives The CARES Act allows taxpayers to take a charitable deduction of up to $300 for those who take the standard deduction. You may think a $300 gift from one individual will not make a huge difference. But if many donors gave “just” $300, that support would make a huge impact on those we serve. For those who do itemize their deductions, the new law allows for cash contributions to qualified charities, like the Sisters of Notre Dame, to be deducted up to 100% of your adjusted gross income for the 2020 calendar year. We are deeply grateful for your continued interest and support of our ministries, especially during this difficult time. For more information on including the Sisters of Notre Dame in your current charitable giving or estate plans, please contact your regional SND Mission Advancement Office. COVINGTON, KENTUCKY: JODEE MCELFRESH | jmcelfresh@sndky.org THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA: SISTER LISA MEGAFFIN | lmegaffin@sndca.org TOLEDO, OHIO: SISTER CAROL GREGORY | cgregory@toledosnd.org CHARDON, OHIO: CARRIE HIGGINBOTHAM | chigginbotham@ndec.org
The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Fall 2020
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ASSOCIATES
of the SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME
Twenty years ago, under the direction of
Sister Regina Robbins, SND, in Thousand Oaks, CA, the first group of SND Associates made a promise to live the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame and pursue their spirituality, mission and ministries. One year later, with the leadership of Sister Jacquelyn Gusdane, SND, a group of lay persons in the Chardon, OH, area made the same promise. Over time, Associate groups formed in each SND province. SND Associates join in the ministries of the Sisters of Notre Dame – and add many of their own – to be a hopefilled presence to their families, churches and schools, and communities in which they live.
SND Associates from around the country gathered in Chardon, Ohio.
National ND Associate Directors and members of the National Associate Steering Committee 1st row – (l-r):
Sr. Frances Marie Penwell, Toledo; Sr. Regina Davala, Chardon; Dorothy Wodrich, Toledo; Sr. Luann Bender, Covington 2nd row – (l-r):
Sr. Pat Sipan, Florida; Claudette Matero, Chardon; Laura Smith, Florida; Tina Bernheimer, Covington; Sr. Rita Geoppinger, Covington; Pamela Waitinas, Chardon; Suzanne Gabric, Chardon; Sr. Lisa Megaffin, California; Sr. Rosellyn Theisen, Toledo 3rd row – (l-r):
Chris Pinzon, Florida; Amy Zavac, Toledo; Ingrid Kanics, Chardon; Arnie Lara, California Missing from photo:
Sister Mary Charleen Hug (Director), Ami Payne and Lisa Strugarek, all from Toledo.
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Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org
SND Associates in each area were independent groups. “With the unification, Associates in each regional area will work more closely together,” Pamela Wright Waitinas, Chardon Associate Co-Director, says. “Throughout the country Associates already share the same covenant prayer, the same patronal feast, and most importantly, the same SND charism. “Since the beginning, Associate Directors for each province met annually to share ideas and coordinate plans. As SND USA Associate Directors, we will continue to do that (albeit via Zoom at the current moment). Directors are working on a national Associate brochure and a revised Handbook. A newly created, 10-member team, representing all areas, has already published its first ND National Associate Newsletter. We look forward to being an integral part of the new national website,” Waitinas says. Today there are more than 500 SND Associates across the U.S.
MISSION STATEMENT
OF THE ASSOCIATES OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME Drawn by the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame, we are called by our good and provident God to be a hope-filled presence in the world. This Associate relationship: • deepens our relationship with God through prayer. • impels us to radical discipleship. • moves us to solidarity with the poor and marginalized.
Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States “Our meetings and gatherings provide many opportunities for socializing, building solid friendships, eating good food – and having fun!” – Pamela Wright Waitinas, Chardon Associate Co-Director
A major focus for the future is the development of Associate leadership by planning and providing leadership workshops. These workshops will be based on the CLDP (Collaborative Leadership Development Program) in which several Associates from different areas have participated. According to Waitinas, many activities and events are currently “on hold” because of the pandemic, but meetings and discussions take place on computers and cell phones, thanks to the gift of technology. “We hope to make concrete plans for the 2021 Associate year soon. Our meetings and gatherings provide many opportunities for socializing, building solid friendships, eating good food – and having fun!” Waitinas adds.
WHO ARE ASSOCIATES? SND Associates are laywomen and men, married and single (some married couples), who share the mission and charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame. Associates do not take vows, like the sisters; they write an action plan based on the Associate Covenant, expressing their desire to deepen their spiritual life. They are invited and enouraged to participate in Associate events and annual retreats. A year of candidacy – of formation – is important preparation for potential Associates. For more information about becoming an Associate, please contact sndassociates@ndec.org and you will be referred to the Associate Director in your geographic area. Fall 2020
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Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States
ONE HEART. ONE HOPE. ONE MISSION. SND USA National Headquarters 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44026
SND USA Regional Offices 1601 Dixie Highway, Covington, KY 41011 1776 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 3912 Sunforest Court, Suite B, Toledo, OH 43623
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Chardon Office Prayer Line 440-279-1163 Toledo Office Prayer Line awillman@toledosnd.org Covington Office Prayer Line info@sndky.org or 859-291-2040 Thousand Oaks Office Prayer Line info@sndca.org